Opinions on shocks....
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: ny
Opinions on shocks....
Hey all just wanted to throw out a question. Recently picked up an 08 Fat Bob used from a dealer. The told me it has a set of progressive shocks on it, not sure of model though. Just wanted some feedback on anyones experiences with progressive, these shocks on some bumps actually shoot me out of the seat. I lowered the preload adjustment all the way down,its better but still stiff I think. Im not sure if normal and now thinking will this really be able to be answered without the actual shock model. I guess just wondering what model shocks people have had luck with, or found to be the best ride.. thanks all... matt
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
I've run the Progressive HD412 for about 15K miles. They do pretty good.... although I am changing them out... roads around here are starting to shake the crap outta me... so I went with some RoadGlide lowered air shocks... we'll see how that goes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,281
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
My personal experience with Progressive shocks were that they rode well below my expectations. But lots of people here have them and like them, so I guess it depends on what you had before and if they work for you. It's possible you have the heavy duty shocks which are for 2 up riding or bigger riders.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
This is my take, Progressive are off the shelf and not much better than OEM, get shocks that are sprung for your weight and riding style, Works, YSS, Ohlins,Ricor, you'll be much happier. I had Progressive 440's and hated them, I sold them for less than half what I paid for them, and was happy to get that. Harley put some effort into the XR1200X handling wise, why can't they do the same for the Dyna, it's not a rolling couch, put some better brakes on it, decent suspension, lose some weight, a little more power, and watch the sales roll in.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
As you may have already figured out Progressives are the bottom end of the after market shock spectrum.But you may be adjusting them the wrong way, if you're bottoming out reducing the preload will not help.Try increasing it, it may help it may not.There are as many opinions on this subject as there are shocks available for Dynas.I like "bagger" air shocks because they're reasonably priced and provide a decent ride but they're not correctly sprung for the Dyna frame and may not work out for you if you spend allot of time two up.Good luck, you may have to experiment for a bit before you find out what works for you.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
You might have the Heavy Duty shocks. Progressive is a site sponsor. Contact them. Theres a sticker on the shock with a number. Maybe its just a matter of swapping to softer springs. Then again, the might be really short shocks. In that case, a rough ride is just what you get with short shocks.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: DFW
+2 on this.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
My thought would be that the springs are too heavy. I had that happen and got with progressive. They sent me the compressor tool and stock springs for 30 bucks, made all the difference. Progressive's stock springs (I was told) are about 10lbs per spring heavier wound than the stock Harley springs. My shocks are 1/2" longer than stock so now I have a great ride and don't drag in corners and bottom out very seldom
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